Discuss the social and economic challenges facing Pakistan following its independence.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the social and economic challenges facing Pakistan. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and economic challenges or they may prioritize their discussion of one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the loss of lives and property during partition and the refugee crisis as several million Muslims fled from India into Pakistan. Pakistan did not have the necessary facilities to house so many new citizens. The provinces were mostly underdeveloped, with very little industry. Agriculture did not produce a sufficient surplus to create the wealth needed for industrialization. Landlessness and agrarian poverty remained significant economic challenges. There were several ethnic groups with their own traditions and cultures such as Punjabis, Pakhtuns and Bengalis. National language also became an issue. Literacy levels were low and public health was a challenge as were cholera, malaria and several other diseases which affected the population. While other relevant factors, for example demarcation of boundaries and control over Kashmir, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on social and economic challenges.